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Queen of soul marks 72nd birthday

Aretha Franklin enlisted the help of none other than Denzel Washington to help her celebrate her 72nd birthday in style.

Franklin held a small but exclusive party in New York City ahead of her birthday on Tuesday, with Washington entering the Ritz-Carlton Hotel venue disguised under a baseball cap.

Franklin thanked the Oscar-winning actor for attending, which came just hours after she watched him on stage in the Broadway play A Raisin In The Sun.

The singer was all smiles at the event, and enjoyed a three-tiered cake to mark the occasion.

She said in an interview that she is working on new music with rapper Andre 3000 and singer-songwriter Babyface.

When asked what she wants for her birthday, the queen of soul said. "I'm looking for a record deal for my granddaughter Victorie, and my son Kecalf." They both performed recently at the BET Honors special, which paid tribute to Franklin.